Explicit Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Aiken?

Short‑term rentals are currently allowed in the City of Aiken. As of the most recent publicly available information, Aiken has not enacted a city‑specific short‑term rental (STR) ordinance. The city has initiated the process to develop one and has publicly discussed creating a stakeholder task force to review proposed rules. Until that ordinance is adopted, there are no Aiken‑specific zoning restrictions, caps, owner‑occupancy requirements, or permit mandates. Operators must still comply with statewide South Carolina requirements, county taxes, and general business licensing. Investors should monitor the City’s work sessions and Planning Department updates for any ordinance adoption that could introduce local restrictions or permitting. The “allowed by default” posture in Aiken reflects South Carolina’s local‑control framework, under which municipalities may regulate STRs but are not required to do so.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Aiken (SC)

Operating an STR in Aiken follows South Carolina’s standard compliance pathway because Aiken has not adopted a city‑specific STR licensing program. A disciplined, step‑by‑step approach reduces enforcement risk and supports long‑term viability.

1. Verify property eligibility and general compatibility

• STRs are defined statewide as residential properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. If a property is subject to homeowner association rules, covenants, or historic district overlays, those private or district restrictions may limit STR operations regardless of city zoning.
• Confirm with the Aiken County Assessor’s Office that the property classification and use align with rental operations.

2. Register for state and local tax accounts

• Obtain a South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) sales and accommodations tax account. This enables collection and remittance of state sales tax (5.0%), state accommodations tax (2.0%), and any local option or county accommodations taxes that apply to Aiken County.
• Expect the combined tax rate on transient accommodations to include: 5.0% state sales tax, 2.0% state accommodations tax, local option sales tax (county‑dependent), and county accommodations tax (up to 3.0%). The total tax burden can exceed 12% and varies with county policy. Platforms (Airbnb/Vrbo) may collect some state/local taxes automatically, but hosts remain responsible for ensuring all applicable taxes are paid.

3. Secure a business license

• A South Carolina business license is required at the local level (county or municipality depending on jurisdiction). Many counties in SC issue business licenses on an annual basis; Aiken County may require an annual license and associated fees based on gross revenue.
• If Aiken County’s Business License Office is the primary issuer, maintain license renewals and fee payments on schedule; licenses typically must be renewed each year, often before April 30.

4. Obtain appropriate insurance

• South Carolina law requires all STRs to maintain commercial general liability (CGL) coverage with at least $1 million per occurrence. Homeowners policies generally exclude business activity and will not satisfy this requirement.
• Align coverage with guest capacity, property type, and risk profile. Confirm the policy explicitly covers transient rentals and short‑stay lodging.

5. Prepare required documentation for filings and operations

• Organize property ownership proof, identification, EIN (for tax filings), site/floor plans, emergency contact information, and safety compliance evidence (smoke/CO detectors, egress considerations).
• Maintain detailed records of guest stays, revenue, and tax remittances for audit readiness.

6. Set operational standards and guest communications

• Establish house rules covering occupancy, quiet hours, parking, trash/recycling, and safety protocols. Create a guest manual and display essential information within the unit.
• For properties in older or historic areas, ensure interior layouts and egress routes comply with safety best practices, even if inspections are not currently mandated by city code.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Business license
  • Issued by the local authority (often county). Annual renewal; fee based on gross revenue.
• SCDOR tax registration
  • Sales and accommodations tax license; file and remit per filing cadence.
• Insurance
  • CGL policy at $1 million per occurrence, covering STR operations.
• Owner identification
  • Driver’s license, SSN/ITIN, and federal EIN (for business tax filings).
• Property documentation
  • Proof of ownership, site plan, floor plan, and emergency contact information.
• Optional/advisable
  • Proof of payment of local taxes where applicable, floor plans with egress annotations, and a guest manual detailing house rules and emergency procedures.

Note: As of the latest information, Aiken has not enacted an STR permit or city‑specific license. If an ordinance is adopted, applications, fees, and inspections may be added to this list.

Specific Regulations: City (Aiken), County (Aiken), and State (SC)

State (South Carolina)

• STR definition and local control
  • An STR is a residential property rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Municipalities can regulate STRs via zoning, permitting, caps, and operational rules.
• Senate Bill S.442 (2025–2026)
  • Defines STRs and codifies minimum CGL coverage of $1 million per occurrence for all STRs statewide.
  • Reaffirms municipal authority to license, suspend, or revoke STRs for violations or nuisance activity.
• Taxes
  • State sales tax: 5.0%.
  • State accommodations tax: 2.0%.
  • Local option sales tax: up to 3.0% depending on county.
  • County accommodations tax: up to 3.0%.
  • Municipal accommodations tax: up to 3.0% where applicable.
  • Combined STR tax rates can exceed 12%. Hosts must register with SCDOR and remit on schedule.

County (Aiken County)

• Business license
  • Required annually; fee calculated by gross revenue under SC’s local business license framework.
• County accommodations tax
  • May apply up to 3.0% on transient accommodations. Operators must confirm the current rate and remit accordingly.
• Filing cadence and enforcement
  • Typical annual renewal with periodic filing obligations for state/county taxes. Non‑compliance can lead to penalties, interest, or license issues.

City (Aiken, SC)

• No STR ordinance in effect
  • As of October 2022 reporting, the Aiken City Council initiated the process to create an STR zoning ordinance and planned a stakeholder task force to review proposals. No finalized ordinance has been publicly adopted in the provided sources.
• Operational implication
  • Absent city‑specific rules, operators are not required to obtain city permits or meet Aiken-specific occupancy/inspection rules. However, this may change if an ordinance is enacted. Investors should track City Council and Planning Department updates to avoid being surprised by new requirements.

Contact Information for Local Authority in Charge of STRs

• City of Aiken Planning Department
  • Role: Ordinance development and zoning oversight.
  • Phone: (803) 642‑2000
  • Website: aikensc.gov
• Aiken County Business License Office / Clerk of Court
  • Role: Business license issuance and renewals.
  • Phone: (803) 642‑1508
  • Website: aikencountysc.gov
• South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR)
  • Role: Sales and accommodations tax registration and filings.
  • Phone: (803) 898‑5000
  • Website: dor.sc.gov

Always verify current contact information and responsible departments as organizational structures can change.

Source Links

• South Carolina state‑level STR regulatory framework and S.442 insurance requirement
  • www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/442.htm
• Aiken to create zoning ordinance for STRs (City discussion and stakeholder task force plan)
  • www.wjbf.com/csra-news/aiken-to-create-zoning-ordinance-for-short-term-rental-properties/
• Statewide overview and compliance context
  • www.gosummer.com/post/south-carolina-short-term-rental-laws
• South Carolina STR regulations index (indicates Aiken is among cities with regulatory listings)
  • www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/SC

Practical guidance for investors: because Aiken has not finalized an STR ordinance, the current environment is permissive at the city level but fully governed by statewide rules. Keep a close watch on City Council agendas and Planning Department announcements for ordinance drafts or votes. Prioritize state tax registration, county business licensing, and the $1 million CGL insurance requirement. As soon as Aiken adopts local rules, be prepared to pivot quickly to permit compliance, inspections, and any new zoning or occupancy restrictions that may be introduced. This dual‑track readiness—state baseline now, local compliance when enacted—will protect your investment and minimize disruption.